Protect PDF

Encrypt your PDF with a password to restrict access.

— Guide

How to password-protect a PDF

  1. Step 1

    Upload your PDF

    Drag and drop the PDF you want to lock, or click to browse.

  2. Step 2

    Set a password

    Choose a strong password and, optionally, restrict printing, copying and editing.

  3. Step 3

    Encrypt

    The document is encrypted with AES-256, the standard used for sensitive business documents.

  4. Step 4

    Download

    Download the protected PDF. Anyone opening it will need the password.

— FAQ

Protect PDF — frequently asked questions

How strong is the encryption?

PDFs are encrypted with AES-256, the same standard used for banking and government documents.

Can I stop people from copying or printing my PDF?

Yes. Besides the open password, you can restrict printing, copying and editing permissions.

What happens if I forget the password?

There is no backdoor — keep the password safe. If you own the document and know the password, you can remove it with the Unlock tool.